Hello, thanks for visiting my fundraising page. 

As many of you will already know, I've decided to run the London Marathon in April next year for the Bowel & Cancer Research Charity. 

The main reason I'm running the London Marathon is in memory of my Dad, John. Who sadly passed away in November 2011 after a tough battle with Bowel Cancer. My Dad was taken far too early and passed away at the age of 51. I have total admiration for my Dad as when he was ill, there weren't any complaints, his outlook was always positive even when the rest of us couldn't see the light. 

This is his story.. 

Dad was diagnosed with Bowel cancer in 2009. It's always a numbing experience when someone you love is told that they have cancer. After months of consultations and pain the Docs told him he would need to have a operation to remove his bowel.

In 2010, after a bout of Radiotherapy and the operation to remove his bowel he finally went into remission. Wow, we were all very happy. A few months later, I remember him phoning me "Hi Alex, I'm running the London marathon next year" My reply, "no chance, really? are you?" Dad hadn't been a runner and that was the reason for my surprise. I was immensely proud he had decided to take on this huge challenge, he felt that it would be closure to the disease and an opportunity to run pass St Thomas' hospital that he'd spent the majority of his time in over the past few years.

My Dad completed the London Marathon in April 2011, what an achievement. We were so proud, as was he! 

Unfortunately, a few months later my Dad became ill once again, he was still positive. After many more months of exploratory operations and the Doctors struggling to find a reason why Dad wasn't well. It was the news that no one wanted to hear, the cancer had returned. This time, it had spread to his stomach and there wasn't anything more that could be done. 

My Dad sadly passed away on November 21st 2011, after running the marathon 7 months prior, it was a harsh reality of what this disease can truly do. 

Thank you for taking your time to read my Dad's story, and I look forward to running the marathon in his memory next year.

Any donation is hugely appreciated, thank you. 

Alex